1. The Idea Behind Group Work
T ogether
E veryone
A chieves
M ore
“It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn't matter who gets the credit.”
- unknown

2. Reflecting on yesterday’s activities

3. Reflecting on yesterday’s activities
What went well
What needs work

4. Remember…
There is a lot of content today not for you to memorize, but for you to call upon for reference
Leave here today with a knowledge of what makes a group run well, and how to be a positive contributor to a group

5. How Can YOU Benefit from Working In a Group?
Higher Level of Reasoning
Critical Thinking
Interpersonal Communication Skills
Problem-solving & Decision-making Skills
Conflict Resolution

6. Characteristics of EFFECTIVE Groups:
Goals are clear
Everyone is valued
Ideas are expressed
Issues are resolved quickly
Conflict is not avoided 6

7. Characteristics of INEFFECTIVE Groups:
Some members dominate while others are inactive.
People work only to ensure that their own ideas are stated.
When someone speaks, others formulate their own ideas or interrupt the speaker.
When someone speaks, others may believe they understand but often do not.
Lack of clear goals.
Disputes are avoided and not resolved. 7

8. Roles That Group Members May Assume
The point here is not to memorize these, but to identify yourself and try to transition to a positive role if not already there 8

9. 4 Positive Roles in Group Work
The Initiator - has initiative and imagination
good at creative thinking, generating ideas and getting things started
may have large egos and require recognition for his/her contributions
The Reconciler
often older than other participants and good at defusing conflict
may emphasize the importance of the main objective, in light of smaller issues causing tension
always seek to keep them involved, especially if you
detect a rise in tension. 9

10. 4 Positive Roles in Group Work
The Pathfinder
good at refocusing the attention of the group
less likely to get carried away by new ideas
helps keep the meeting progressing in line with its agenda
The Supporter
tends to have something supportive to say about almost any issue
sees the positive side of any case and therefore may find tough decisions very difficult 10

11. Negative Roles in Group Work
The Aggressor
tends to question and challenge everything & criticizes ideas
good at highlighting problems, but unlikely to offer any solutions
try to involve them early on, but also try to involve a reconciler - to defuse any potentially contentious remarks
The Interrupter - constantly interrupts others
may disagree with what's being said or feel they have a better idea.
the best strategy is to stop them and point out that
someone else was talking and that they should be
allowed to finish 11

12. Neutral Roles in Group Work
The Silent Participant
sits through a meeting without making an audible contribution, even though they should have something to say (may be shy or think they have nothing to contribute)
They should be encouraged to take part and told that their opinion matters
The Joker
while a good sense of humour can be very useful at times constantly making jokes or playing the fool is not.
they may distract others and not play a productive role
the best way to deal with a joker is to have a word with them privately. 12

13. Destructive Behaviors
People who avoid responsibility
People who won’t admit when they make a mistake
People who wait until the last minute
People who are competitive

14. Being a Strong Team Member
What do you need to bring to the table?

15. What do YOU need to bring to the TABLE?
No Ego
Active Listening
Accepting of Differences
Communication Skills
Sharing (materials, knowledge etc.)
Be Responsible/Reliable
Be Open - Never Criticize
Be Generous- give credit where it is due
Set an Example – it is easy to complain; instead take action and improve the situation

16. Conflict Resolution 101 Recognize that confrontation can be positive
Try not to take what is happening personally.
When you are upset… sleep on it before acting!
Choose an appropriate time and place to deal with the conflict
Use an appropriate manner (tone, body language, level)
6. Utilize your most effective communication skills:
really listen
avoid passing judgements (use “I” statements instead of “you”)
stick to what you feel and perceive
be flexible and prepared to work with the other person
7. Check the facts, including the “big picture” perhaps the other’s point of view.
8. Come with ideas for solutions

17. Conflict Resolution Case Scenario:
You are working on a group project and notice that one member, Joe, routinely arrives unprepared to work and jokes constantly throughout each meeting. The group is beginning to feel that Joe is a distraction and hindering the team’s productivity.
1) How would you approach this issue?
2) How will your group resolve this dispute?

18. Winter Survival Scenario
Team Activity
Winter Survival Scenario